Bears' McQuarters Inks Deal

Published 8:00 pm, Wednesday, January 9, 2002

Defensive back R.W. McQuarters signed a five-year, $21 million contract extension with the Chicago Bears on Thursday, a deal that could keep him with the team through 2006.

The contract includes a $6 million signing bonus for McQuarters, who came to the Bears in a trade from the 49ers two years ago.

This season, McQuarters became a starter and big play maker for the Bears, who went 13-3 and won the NFL Central Division title. He intercepted three passes, made 89 tackles and returned a fumble 69 yards for a TD against Arizona. He was also credited with 21 passes defended.

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McQuarters' new deal comes three days after he recorded a rap song in a Chicago studio, trumpeting the Bears' successful season and their drive for a championship. Chicago earned a bye in the playoffs and does not play until Jan. 19.